Topics Related to North Carolina State Parks

N.C. State Parks Partners with Waypoint Adventure to Provide Adaptive Recreation Programs at Select Parks

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced a new partnership with Waypoint Adventure, based in Black Mountain, N.C., to provide adaptive recreation programs for visitors with disabilities. Recreation activities such as accessible kayaking and guided hikes will be offered at a few western state parks this summer and fall as a pilot program.

“We are eager to launch this program to offer a new way for visitors with disabilities to experience and enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful state parks,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong.

Tent and RV Campsites, Shelter Closed at Medoc Mountain State Park for Renovations

The tent, trailer, and RV campsites and the picnic shelter at Medoc Mountain State Park In Halifax County were closed June 3 for at least 12 months due to construction. These facilities are being renovated as part of the park’s Connect N.C. Bond project.

“We are very excited for this project to improve the camping experience at Medoc Mountain State Park,” said Kathy Capps, deputy director of operations at N.C. State Parks. “The park has done a lot of work in recent years to improve day-use experience with the addition of new trails, including the mountain biking trails.”

North Carolina Celebrates 50th Anniversary of National Natural Landmarks

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced today that six division sites are celebrating their 50th anniversary as National Natural Landmarks (NNL) as designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. This unique designation signifies an area with rare biological and geological resources. The NNL program is administered by the National Park Service.

On May 30, 1974, Mount Mitchell was designated as a National Natural Landmark. N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D.

Morrow Mountain State Park to Host Reopening Celebration After Major Construction

Morrow Mountain State Park will host a reopening event Sunday, May 19, 2-4 p.m., to celebrate the completion of a major construction project that upgraded the park’s vacation cabins, pool house, concession stand, and hiking and bridle trails as well as added new camper cabins and a splash pad.

Parks and Recreation Authority Meeting

August 23, 2024, 9am - 5pm
Quarterly meeting of the Parks & Recreation Authority

Parks and Recreation Authority Meeting

June 7, 2024, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Quarterly public meeting of the Parks & Recreation Authority

North Carolina State Parks to Offer ‘Kayaking 101’ Classes with American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

To kick off National Safe Boating Week, 11 state parks and 3 other sites will each host beginners’ kayaking safety programs on Saturday, May 18, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. The “Kayaking 101” events are being offered as a collaboration with the division, the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA), and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Two NC State Parks to Host 'Poetry in the Park' Events in April for National Poetry Month

Lake Norman and Eno River state parks will host inaugural “Poetry in the Park,” events on April 20 and April 27, respectively, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. The events are planned as part of the division’s Arts in the Parks initiative and are being held in commemoration of National Poetry Month in April.

Special Parks and Recreation Authority Virtual Meeting

April 10, 2024, 10am - 10:45am
Special Parks and Recreation Authority Virtual Meeting

Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park Closed for Summer 2024

Hammocks Beach State Park’s Bear Island will close campsites and ferry service through at least the summer for a major construction project to make necessary water and septic system repairs and replacements, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced.

There is currently no potable water or working restrooms at Bear Island. The ferry service, which normally begins operating in April, will not open until construction is complete. Campsites are also closed to new reservations until construction is complete.